Very often data scientists and analysts require access to back-end resources on Azure. For example, they may need to start a virtual machine or resize a Hadoop cluster. This typically requires making a request to the IT department and patiently waiting.

AzureSMR is a simple R package that enables those users to do many of those operations themselves.

It’s very easy to script commonly-used functions which can be run without having to navigate the portal or wizards. AzureSMR uses the Azure Systems Management API and leverages standard packages such as httr, so it can easily run in any R session (you don't need Microsoft R Server). You can also manage multiple Azure subscriptions from within the same session.

The AzureSMR functions currently addresses the following Azure Services: